Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

Since coming to basenotes soem months ago, I have ffound it fascinating and hugely informative. Quite a few blind buys have been made on the basis of reviews herein - Antateus, Van Cleef & Arpels, Yatagan to name a few.

With recessonary times now upon us I am looking at cheaper frags to further my interest. Geoffrey Beene's Grey Flannel initially came to mind after Luca Turin's positive review. Hoever I note that many seem to regard Bowling Green as being better. Ultimately, I am looking for a decent (cheap!) green fragrance - which of these might be better can anyone advise?

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

I haven't tried BG, but from the reviews I would buy it instead of GF, which I found to be too sharp at first and too simple in the drydown. A decent slightly soapy green is Chaleur d'Animale for men (also cheap). A somewhat green incense cheapo is One Man Show.

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

I was in the same boat ((looking for something cheap to add to my wardrobe), so i blind bought both at the same time. And to be honest it wasn't a mistake but i wish i didn't. Now back on topic if i had to pick one it would be BG....While GF is the better scent i just cant find an occassion to wear it.

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

Bowling Green starts off with a brisk, grassy gin and tonic, then slowly mellows into a smooth amber and cardamon with the lingering hint of the opening. I would like it better if the opening lasted longer, but it is still a very good scent.

Grey Flannel is probably the kind of scent that you either love or hate. I don't see many people hating Bowling Green, but I would understand if people went, "meh."

If you're buying one blind, go with Bowling Green.

Marge: Do you want your son to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or a sleazy male stripper?
Homer: Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

simply
Bowling Green is a green version of Drakkar Noir
If you own drakkar then you probably wont be surprised by the smell of GB
I tried GF way back when and I remember not liking it so I was never interested in it

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

None of them are right choices for blind buys, IMHO. Both reflect the respective fragrance style in fashion at the times they were designed.

GF was designed in the mid 1970's, it still is a "power bomb", strong as strong can be, with amazing sillage and longevity, specially good for violet lovers. Def not for the faint of heart.

BG, launched in 1986, is a spicy / hesperidic power bomb, still not as strong as the other one. I tried last week and I had the feeling it was a 1980's version of gentlemanly scents designed in the 1960's... spices and citric notes "on steroids".

I prefered GF - I could not stop feeling that BG was intended as a contemporary version of classics like Eau Sauvage, but the proposal did not feel natural, rather pushy.

Re: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel Vs Bowling Green

Originally Posted by Pollux

I could not stop feeling that BG was intended as a contemporary version of classics like Eau Sauvage, but the proposal did not feel natural, rather pushy.

That is an excellent simile. Men's fragrances of the 1960s were dry, green, and citric, like a good cocktail. Bowling Green is something in the vein of Eau Sauvage or Guerlain's Vetiver. I would argue that Bowling Green is pleasant and competently done, although I would concede that it is not the classic that Eau Sauvage and Vetiver are. However, I got a huge bottle for US$5 and it makes me happy every time I wear it. Perfect for humid Summer days.